diller scofidio + renfro plans landscaped plaza for the broad

diller scofidio + renfro plans landscaped plaza for the broad
image courtesy of the broad and diller scofidio + renfro

diller scofidio + renfro has unveiled designs for a an external plaza to be built next to the broad museum in los angeles, providing the emerging cultural district with an important green space. the 24,000 square foot development will establish an inviting area of recreation and relaxation between grand avenue and hope street, while a new crosswalk will connect the contemporary art gallery with the surrounding region. in addition to the public square, a restaurant will be developed by leading restaurateur bill chait, with a vision to combine fine dining with arts and the community.

the public plaza will feature a grove of 100-year-old barouni olive trees, serving as a buffer zone
image courtesy of the broad and diller scofidio + renfro

working alongside hood design, DS+R’s landscaping features a bosque of 100-year old barouni olive trees originally seeded in the early 20th century, providing a shaded buffer zone between the plaza and the street. an expansive lawn will compliment the intimate cluster of trees, serving as a venue for the museum’s outdoor programming. such events include films, performances, receptions and educational events, in addition to functions organized in collaboration with the restaurant. furnished with tree stump tables and movable seating, the adaptable public space will allow guests to configure the area for their own individual purpose.

ensuring a more pedestrian friendly environment, enhancements to grand avenue include introducing wider sidewalks in front of the building and the plantation of chinese pistache trees. LED lampposts and in-ground uplighting will efficiently illuminate the structure’s façade.

improvements to grand avenue include a mid-block traffic signal and crosswalk
image courtesy of the broad and diller scofidio + renfro

‘our design for the plaza taps into the new spirit of downtown L.A., mixing culture, recreation and food. the neighboring institutions will be able to share the landscaped space for both passive and lively programming, day and night. the grove of 100-year-old olive trees is a counterpoint to the newness of the surrounding buildings and the artifice of the bridge over general thaddeus kosciusko way that supports this landscape,’ explained elizabeth diller, founding principal of DS+R.

‘grand avenue’s incomparable architecture and cultural institutions need increased walkable outdoor green space to enhance the area and create a vibrant urban core,’ said eli broad, cofounder of the broad.

construction of the plaza is already underway, and is scheduled to open later in 2014. the broad museum itself is due to open a year later in 2015.

the scheme will function as a venue for the broad’s outdoor programming
image courtesy of the broad and diller scofidio + renfro